Police have confirmed Mr Ryther was working at the Pineapple Hotel until 9.30pm on Tuesday.

He reportedly stopped by McDonald's after his shift to leave his car there for his wife to drive home.

Mourners gather in Logan at a service for slain Joan Canino Ryther. Photo: Marissa Calligeros

When he realised she was not there, Mr Ryther set out searching the streets with her co-workers.

Mr Ryther contacted police to report his wife missing at midnight.

Detective Superintendent David Hutchinson said police were yet to identify any suspects in the case, but confirmed Mrs Ryther suffered "blunt force trauma" to her head.

Joan Canino Ryther Photo: Facebook

"We are of the view that she was sexually assaulted," he told reporters on Thursday.

He would not confirm whether police had found a weapon.

Superintendent Hutchinson said police were most interested in speaking to anyone who may have found Mrs Ryther's McDonald's cap and placed it on a fence post on Leichhardt Street on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

Joan Canino Ryther with her husband Cory Ryther Photo: Facebook

He said investigators were also keen for a man, wearing a yellow shirt, seen sobbing outside a house on Mayes Avenue about 8.30pm on Tuesday to come forward.

On Thursday afternoon, friends and coworkers shed tears as they lit candles at a vigil for the slain mother-to-be. Friend Iris Langbid remembered the "bubbly, funny lady who was always smiling".

Plain clothes detectives retraced the route Mrs Ryther would have walked to work, as forensics officers examined a trail of blood spots discovered on the footpath opposite the yard where her body was found.

Police have renewed their appeal for anyone who may have seen a woman with a slight build and dark hair walking along Mayes Avenue or Leichhardt Street between 8pm and 10pm on Tuesday to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au.